Since the Autumn Newsletter we had three study days in the latter part of 2016.

The Antique Furniture Restoration Workshop in September was a success. Helen Lowther baked the participants a cake and people on site dropped in to see how things were going. This year we have decided to hold this workshop on a Saturday and Sunday so it is easier for people to attend who are working in the week. Also those on the guided tours on the Sunday can have a quick look through the door to see this very interesting activity.

The Astronomy study day was enthusiastically received to such an extent that we have asked Ann Mills to come again this year and tell us about other aspects of the Universe.

Adrian Barlow’s study day in November illuminated in great detail the late Victorian architectural preoccupations of the time and, in particular, the patronage of the owner of Copped Hall – Mr. E.J.Wythes. We were very grateful to Mr. Barlow who came all the way from Cheltenham. The talk was well attended.

In 2017 we have a total of 13 study days/workshops. Five of these bring new lecturers to Copped Hall. We have workshops on bees and beekeeping from Eric Beaumont on the 11th and 25th June. Amy Burt gives an introduction to embroidery on the 18th July. This is now sold out and a second date has been made available on the 27th July should enough people be interested. Peter Minter, of Bulmer Brick and Tile, will give a study day covering all aspects of the history of bricks and brickmaking in the east of England. All bricks on the Copped Hall site will be identified. On the 28th September Bernard High and Clive Alexander will explain everything about heraldry.

We are sad that our long standing tutor, Peter Lawrence, has retired from teaching at Copped Hall. We are very grateful for Peter’s contribution over the years, and wish him well for the future.